With temperatures increasing slowly and daffs in full bloom, spring is definitely here.
We’re all looking forward to being able to spend more time outdoors – either socialising with friends in beer gardens, walking to uni without getting drenched or doing a spot of revision in the sunshine.
But the question is – is your wardrobe ready for the season ahead?
After serving you well throughout the chilly winter months, it’s time to ditch your teddy coats and longline parkas and replace them with lightweight trench coats and jackets instead.
Here at McComb Students, we get that updating your wardrobe on a student’s budget isn’t easy. That’s why we thought we’d share some simple yet effective tips to refresh your wardrobe – without breaking the bank!
5 easy ways to update your wardrobe for the spring
1. Assess what you have
Before you hit the shops, take a look at what you already have sat in your wardrobe – both at your student accommodation in Ormskirk and back at home.
If your clothes rail is brimming with winter garments (i.e. knitted dresses or base layers and ¼ zip thermal tops), don’t throw them out. Simply pack them away for when the weather changes. You may even be able to work some of them into your spring wardrobe, meaning you won’t need to buy as many new items.
As you’re sifting through, check the condition of your clothing. Are any of your shirts missing a button? Is there a hole in your trousers that needs stitching? Perhaps the fabric has started to fray? Don’t be tempted to chuck these items out – it’ll work out much cheaper to repair rather than replace them altogether.
2. Sell what no longer fits
No matter how much you love something, there’s no point in keeping hold of clothes you no longer wear.
Whether they’re too big, too small, uncomfortable or you just don’t have an occasion to wear them, it’s worth selling items on websites such as Depop or Vinted. This way, you can make space in your wardrobe for new pieces and make some money – allowing you to treat yourself to some new clothes for spring 2022.
3. Add a few staple pieces
When you’re shopping for clothes on a budget, you want to opt for pieces you’ll get plenty of wear out of.
Key staples to consider adding to your wardrobe this spring include jeans, leggings and skirts – all things that can be worn with a basic t-shirt and top, or dressed up with a smart shirt or floaty blouse.
The more you wear a garment, the less it will cost per wear – meaning you’ll receive maximum value for your money even after wearing it just a couple of times.
4. Shop smart
Do you easily get distracted when shopping? After looking inside your wardrobe and figuring out what you need – and don’t need – write yourself a list and stick to it.
Having a list in hand will help you to focus on the items you’re looking for, without having to browse the entire shop for inspiration.
It also pays to be savvy when updating your spring wardrobe. Find out which retailers offer a student discount and the lowest prices. Then make sure you carry your student ID card whenever you go shopping.
5. Use accessories to style outfits differently
Whether it be hats and hair accessories, bags and boots or sunglasses and sandals, you’d be surprised how much difference accessories can make to your outfit.
For example, you could wear delicate pieces of jewellery to give your spring look a touch of elegance, whereas a bold pair of trainers and a matching coloured cap is sure to give you a more casual look.
You don’t necessarily need to invest in new accessories – have a play around with items you already own and see what stylish combinations you can come up with.
Do you prefer to shop online?
Not everyone enjoys wandering around busy shopping centres, finding a parking space or hopping on and off the bus with shopping bags in both hands.
If this rings true with you, order spring essentials online (still getting the most out of your student discount) and have them delivered to your student accommodation in Ormskirk instead! This means you needn’t worry about navigating your way through the crowds and queueing for ages at the till. And you don’t even need to change out of your pyjamas – what’s not to love?